FM Hoxha and Romanian counterpart reaffirm support for Albania’s European integration
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Romania’s new Foreign Minister, Dan Neculaescu, in Bucharest to discuss bilateral ties and regional security. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding economic and trade relations and making full use of their potential. Hoxha …
Albania and India seek closer tourism cooperation
Albania and India are exploring ways to strengthen tourism ties following a meeting at the World Travel Market London 2026. Jola Hysaj, director general of the National Tourism Agency, met India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during the international travel fair. The two officials discussed exchanging experience …
Albania Allocates ALL 3.37 Billion to Arts and Culture in 2027, with ALL 1.5 Billion for Investment
Albania’s Arts and Culture programme will receive a budget of 3.37 billion lek in 2027, with around 1.5 billion lek, or 45% of the total, earmarked for public investment, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced. The draft budget also allocates 495.9 million lek to artistic projects, marking …
European Commission praises progress on Bank of Albania legislation
The European Commission’s 2026 report highlights Albania’s new law on the Bank of Albania and progress in central bank independence, payment systems and banking stability. The report notes that the new legislation aligns with European Union rules on central bank independence and the prohibition of monetary financing for the public …
PM Rama says businesses must drive economic development
Prime Minister Edi Rama has stressed the need for an inspection system that supports businesses and promotes economic growth without creating unnecessary barriers. Speaking at a conference organised by the General Inspectorate on investment and compliance with legal requirements, he said inspections should serve a practical purpose rather than burden …
Justice minister Gogu says anti-corruption is key to Albania’s European path
Justice Minister Toni Gogu has pledged to align Albania’s anti-corruption legislation with European Union standards. He also proposed three priorities for stronger regional cooperation at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in Budva, Montenegro, on 5–6 November. Speaking at a session on the judicial dimension of …
Albania allocates ALL 76.284 billion (approximately $943 million) for defence in 2027
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi presented the 2027 draft budget to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates ALL 76.284 billion, a 10% increase on 2026, equivalent to 2.6% of gross domestic product. Capital spending accounts for ALL 43.6 billion, while current expenditure totals ALL 32.6 billion. …
Tirana to Host Second EU–Western Balkans Investment Conference, with Focus on Investment Opportunities
Tirana will host the Second EU–Western Balkans Investment Conference on November 25 and 26, 2026, an event aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and encouraging new investments between the European Union and countries in the region. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the forum will bring together high-level government representatives, international …
PM Rama and Minister Karakaçi Inspect Tirana Bypass: Project to Ease Traffic Congestion in the Capital
Prime Minister Edi Rama, together with Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi and Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH) Director Ami Kozeli, inspected the construction site of the Tirana Bypass. They emphasized that work on the project is progressing rapidly. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi stated that more than …
Dutch Ambassador to Albania: Media Freedom Requires Attention, Violence at Protests Has Shocked Us
The Dutch Ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster, has expressed concern over acts of violence during protests in Albania, stating that they have shocked and surprised the Dutch side. Speaking to the media in Korça following a meeting with representatives of law enforcement institutions, which focused on media freedom, Monster commented …
Arianit Shehu, Executive Director of the American Center for Combating Extremism and Terrorism (ACCET), says the European Commission’s 2026 Progress Report confirms Albania’s progress towards EU membership. In an opinion article, Shehu says European integration must remain above party interests. The report, published on November 4, recognises Albania’s reforms and …
Prime Minister Edi Rama says Albanians remain firmly committed to the European project. Despite political polarisation, internal conflicts and protests, he says EU membership remains the country’s shared goal. Speaking at the discussion “Europe’s Shared Future: Enlargement and the Next Generation”, held during the Paris Peace Forum, Rama linked Albania’s …
Albania plays an important role in European security, Interior Minister Ervin Demo said today. He made the statement while opening the international conference “Regional Security: New Risks, Stronger Cooperation” in Tirana. Regional representatives, EU officials and Italian delegates attended the event. “Albania is not Europe’s backyard. We are part of …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu began a two-day working visit to Rome today. He held talks with senior Italian officials to strengthen cooperation in justice and support Albania’s European integration. During the first day, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. He also met …
Albania has recorded the biggest improvement in UEFA’s Fair Play rankings for the 2025/26 season. According to UEFA’s official report, Albania scored 7.789 points, up from 7.503 in the previous season. The increase of 0.286 points places the country first in Europe for progress. Iceland ranks second, with an improvement …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has expressed his condolences to the families affected by a tragic accident in Bulgaria. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Bulgaria, which has claimed many lives and left others injured. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to the victims’ …
Albania has completed the technical preparations to provisionally close five more EU negotiating chapters in 2026, Chief EU Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka announced today. Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on European Affairs and Foreign Policy, Dhuka said Albania continues to follow the EU roadmap, which предусматри the closure of six additional …
Albania’s rich cultural heritage, from north to south, took centre stage at a special event held last night at the Palace of Brigades in Tirana. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports organised the event as part of the 20th Annual Conference of the UNESCO Network of Experts on Intangible …
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about the specific nature of protests in Albania during his participation in the Paris Peace Forum, comparing them with similar movements in Italy and France. During a discussion on European Union enlargement and the future of younger generations, Rama was asked what distinguishes protests in …
Businesses play an important role in Albania’s European integration process and have many opportunities to benefit from it, EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said. During a meeting with business representatives, the ambassador presented the 2026 Albania Report and discussed key issues affecting the business environment, including the …